In a dominant display at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, New Zealand scripted a flawless victory over UAE in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash. Chasing a challenging 174, the Kiwi openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen unleashed a batting blitz, storming to the target with 28 balls to spare without losing a single wicket.
Seifert and Allen took control from the very first over, raining boundaries and sixes on the UAE bowlers who appeared helpless. Seifert’s explosive 89 not out came off just 42 balls, featuring 12 fours and 3 sixes, while Allen smashed 84 not out from 50 deliveries with 5 fours and 5 sixes. Their unbeaten 175-run stand in 15.2 overs left the UAE stunned, marking one of the most one-sided chases in T20 World Cup history.
Earlier, UAE elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted 173 for 6. They stumbled early, losing Aryansh Sharma at 12, but captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu rebuilt with a 107-run second-wicket partnership. Sharafu top-scored with 55 off 47 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), while Waseem anchored the innings with an unbeaten 66 off 45 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). Mayank Kumar added a quick 21 off 12.
New Zealand’s bowlers struck back effectively. Matt Henry led with 2 for 37, supported by Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips, each claiming one wicket. Seifert’s masterful knock earned him Player of the Match honors, signaling New Zealand’s strong intent in the tournament.
This emphatic win boosts New Zealand’s net run rate and positions them favorably in Group D, while UAE faces an uphill battle ahead.